Trout, snook, jacks, ladyfish, and snapper have been active this past week. When the wind and storms have not kept us off the water the action has been pretty steady mornings and evenings. The top-water bite has been very good in the mornings and late evenings while sub-surface presentations have produced fish during other times of the day. Yo-Zuri Banana Boats, 3D Fingerlings, and Jerk-Os continue to produce. Live and artificial shrimp (Ripe Tide Brand Realistic Shrimp) fished around docks also has produced some nice fish. We have been catching a few really nice trout to 7 lbs but most have been in the nice keeper size range down to schoolie size. I know a lot of people do not like to catch ladyfish, but man, we have been hooking into some monsters on top-water the last few days and they scream. The way I look at it, any fish you have to chase down to keep it from spooling you is worth catching and pursuing and we have had a bunch we have had to chase down.
Most of the fish we have been targeting have been around the various spoil islands. Early and late the fish are on the flats or the shallows associated with the islands. At other times they are lurking in the deeper water on the periphery. The jacks and ladyfish have been cruising the deeper edges. A moderate retrieve with a long pause has been the ticket to getting strikes. A few more mullet seem to be around than has been the case recently. So, it may be we are seeing the very beginnings of the bait run. The next few weeks should see more and more bait around the area. That means some good catching is ahead. Look out flounder! They will be gathering in the Inlet before you know it. Heck, there are a few there now. So, keep checking and soon you will be able to catch a bunch of the tasty flat fish. Until next time, Tight-Lines to all.
Sincerely,
Capt. Ron